Jul 13, 2014

Former Italian /American Pitcher: Long Island's Own Don DeMola (1974-1978)

Donald John DeMolawas born on July 5th, 1952 in Glen Cove, New York on Long Island. The right handed pitcher was drafted out of South Commack high school in 1970 by the A.L. New York team. After two minor league seasons, he was released and signed on with the Montreal Expos in January 1973.

DeMola made it to the Expo staff the next year, earning his first career win against the San Diego Padres on June 16th, 1974. It was his only decision of the season, as he mostly pitched in middle relief in 25 appearances. In 1975 he earned a victory at Shea Stadium, with his family & hometown friends looking on. He pitched two scoreless innings striking out Rusty Staub, Jerry Grote, Joe Torre & Randy Tate along the way. His battery mate that night was non other than Gary Carter, who was in his first full season.

It was a Gary Carter RBI base hit that put Montreal on the board that night, followed (by former & future Met) Mike Jorgensen's three run HR that put the Expos ahead for good. DeMola would make appearances the next two nights as well at Shea, allowing no runs in three innings of work. The Mets won both those games.

Overall on the 1975 season he was 4-7 with a 4.16 ERA making 60 appearances, second on the club (to future Met) Dale Murray. The next year he needed arm surgery & missed the entire season.

He lost his velocity and the injury eventually ruined his career. After pitching in the minor leagues through 1978 he retired from the game.

Retirement: He returned back to Long Island and went into the fur business.